see1 /siː/ verb sees, seeing, saw, seen 1. to perceive with the eyes 2. (when transitive, may take a clause as object) to perceive (an idea) mentally; understand: I explained the problem but he could not see it 3. (transitive) to perceive with any or all of the senses: I hate to see you so unhappy 4. (transitive; may take a clause as object) to be aware of in advance; foresee: I can see what will happen if you don't help 5. (when transitive, may take a clause as object) to ascertain or find out (a fact); learn: see who is at the door 6. when tr, takes a clause as object; when intr, foll by to. to make sure (of something) or take care (of something): see that he gets to bed early 7. (when transitive, may take a clause as object) to consider, deliberate, or decide: see if you can come next week 8. (transitive) to have experience of; undergo: he had seen much unhappiness in his life 9. (transitive) to allow to be in a specified condition: I cannot stand by and see a child in pain 10. (transitive) to be characterized by: this period of history has seen much unrest 11. (transitive) to meet or pay a visit to: to see one's solicitor 12. (transitive) to receive, esp as a guest or visitor: the Prime Minister will see the deputation now 13. (transitive) to frequent the company of: she is seeing a married man 14. (transitive) to accompany or escort: I saw her to the door 15. (transitive) to refer to or look up: for further information see the appendix 16. (in gambling, esp in poker) to match (another player's bet) or match the bet of (another player) by staking an equal sum 17. as far as I can see, to the best of my judgment or understanding 18. (takes an infinitive) see fit, to consider proper, desirable, etc: I don't see fit to allow her to come here 19. (informal) see someone hanged first, see someone damned first, to refuse absolutely to do what one has been asked 20. (Brit, informal) see someone right, to ensure fair treatment of (someone): if he has cheated you, I'll see you right 21. see the light, see the light of day, See light1(sense 24) 22. see you, see you later, be seeing you, an expression of farewell 23. (informal) you see, a parenthetical filler phrase used to make a pause in speaking or add slight emphasis See also see about, see into, see of, see off, see out, see over, see through Derived Forms seeable, adjective Word Origin